I can honestly say I do not know what I would do without my mom and dad. And I know that can sound cliché and so repeated, but as I grow older, it has become apparent to myself that what I have is special. What I have, not everyone does; which is why I work every moment to appreciate them and never take their love for granted.

As an only child, I grew up surrounding myself with friends and people that could fill a sibling role in my life. This was done with quite some success as I have had the same best friend since kindergarten that I know will be with me for the long run. I grew up searching for that person to fill the role of undoubted trust and support, never thinking that as a teenage girl that would be possible. Through high school, they would remind me they were my parents before my friends, not in a mean way, but in the way that made me know my boundaries and not to push certain subjects. But when I got to college, something changed.

I still possess the same respect and love towards them, but now it is in an adult-to-adult way. College can be a really hard time, as I have discovered over the past few semesters. Moving to a school where I did not know one soul and just starting new was the best and scariest decision I have ever made.

My parents have been there through it all. Through the first grade plays, middle school terrors, high school mean girls, through the first heartbreak, and all the crazy, intense moments life has been so gracious to bring me. They have seen me shining on the soccer field or on the stage, and they have seen me sobbing in a ball on the bathroom floor. They have filled the slot in my life of unconditional love and support.

It is a special thing when you find someone you can tell anything to and know that they are not going to leave you due to petty arguments or disagreements. These people are the constant; they have you embrace the emotions of what it means to be human, not run from it.

I have been so blessed with parents who I confidently say are my best friends. They are the people I call when I am having a bad, good, or ultimately crazy day. They are the people who I want to share my victories with, and burden my defeats with. They are the people who remind me everyday that I am enough.

They are my best forever friends, and I am so grateful for them.

I love you so much, Mom and Dad.